JProStl, the association for staff who work in Jewish organizations, agencies, congregations and schools throughout the St. Louis Jewish community, is launching “The Power of Difference,” their 2016 professional development series. The eight-part series will explore how embracing difference leads to engagement, featuring a variety of speakers throughout the year. Professionals will acquire the tools so that they and their organizations can meet the urgent need to include a wider audience and open up new opportunities for genuine connections.

Rabbi David Ingber of Romemu will kick off JProStl’s 2016 series with “The Power of Listening” on Wednesday, February 17 from 8:30am- 10:00am at the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. Rabbi Ingber brings the skills and deep commitment to address the pressing needs of ever changing communities. Named by Newsweek as one of 2013’s top 50 most influential rabbis in the U.S. as well as by the Forward as one of the 50 most newsworthy and notable Jews in America, Rabbi David Ingber promotes a renewed Jewish mysticism that integrates meditative mindfulness and physical awareness into mainstream, post-modern Judaism. A major 21st Century Jewish thinker and educator, his rich perspective, open heart and mind, and full-bodied approach to Jewish learning has brought him to speak throughout the United States and worldwide throughout Canada, Europe and Israel.

For information and to RSVP, contact Marci Mayer Eisen at MEisen@JFedSTL.org or 314-442-3810.

Next in the series will be “The Power of Asking” on March 16 at noon. JProStl is affiliated with the Millstone Institute of the Jewish Federation. JProStl programs are supported by the Lubin-Green Foundation, a supporting foundation of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis.